Prime Minister Scott Morrison is backing Malcolm Turnbull to represent Australia at a conference in Bali next week, despite criticism from within his government. 

MP Barnaby Joyce blamed Turnbull for the Liberal Party’s loss in the Wentworth by-election, and questioned whether the former PM should be rewarded with a diplomatic position. 

Prime Minister Morrison argued that Turnbull’s established relationship with Indonesian leader Joko Widodo meant he was a natural fit for the conference. 

A report released by the Lung Foundation Australia predicted Lung Cancer will cost the Australian economy more than 6.6 billion dollars by 2028 if changes aren’t made to the way the disease and patients are treated. 

More than 9000 people died from the disease last year- making it the number one cause of cancer death in the country. 

The report made six recommendations including an increase in lung cancer specialists, a public awareness campaign to reduce stigma around the disease and more psychosocial support for those who have been diagnosed.
 

Japan’s government said freelance journalist Jumpei Yasuda held hostage in Syria for the past three years has been freed and is reportedly staying at an immigration facility in the Turkish city of Antakya.

Mr Yasuda went missing in June 2015 after travelling from Turkey to Syria to report on the country’s civil war and was reportedly held hostage by a group linked to al-Qeada.

The Japan Times reported that the group had demanded a $10m ransom for Mr Yasuda which the Government refused to pay. 

South Koreans who use cannabis while in Canada could face criminal charges when they return to their home country, warn Korean police.

An official from South Korea’s narcotics unit said violators will be punished according to the Korean law and could face up to five years in prison.

The South Korean government put a warning out the day before Canada legalised marijuana.

The UN Human Rights Committee said France’s ban on the Niqab is a violation of human rights and has called on it to review the legislation. 

The son of deceased Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi has been pictured shaking hands with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the leader accused of approving Khashoggi’s death. 

Tasmanian public servants will strike in the thousands this afternoon in protest over a pay dispute. 

New data has revealed that more Australian five year olds are immunised than ever before. 

Brisbane City Council are refusing to rule out advertising on public buildings, despite the outrage sparked by the projection of ads on the Sydney Opera House sails.